London violist dies in Israel
RIPAs deputy principal viola of the BBC Symphony Orchestra from the 1950s, Eric Sargon was a familiar face on the London concert stage for 43 years. He often freelanced in the recording studios, earning his biggest rolyalty stream for playing on the Beatles’ Hey Jude.
Sargon, who was born in Bombay, migrated to Israel five years ago to be closer to his daughters. He died there recently, aged 96.
Sounds like a long life, well-lived.
I’m surprised he was getting royalties from “Hey Jude”.
Session musicians are usually just paid a lump sum for the session, no?
Accounting on the Beatles albums must be a nightmare if everyone is getting a royalty.
Today it’s mostly ‘buy-out’ sessions where you are paid an enhanced lump sum – pre 1980 royalties were much more common
A truly amazing guy. Baruch Dayan HaEmet. It was an honour to know him. Creative, generous, funny and a true gentleman.
A good colleague for many decades – I always enjoyed his company
A fine violist and a lovely man. I was principal 2nd in an orchestra in which he led the violas and have fond memories of working with him. RIP
Eric was graciously kind enough to play with the viola section of an amateur orchestra where I was (wholly inadequate) principal. He also did his 90th birthday concert performance of Harold in Italy with us. He was a truly amazing man – a great musician but also a great person.